But the program's increasing costs are driving debate about cuts. Officials warn the pace of Medicaid spending cannot continue; advocates for the poor warn that Medicaid has become a key part of the nation's health care system and cuts would have broad consequences. Here is a primer on how Utahns are helped by Medicaid now and on the debate about changes.

Children & families

5,784

Children in foster care, subsidized adoptions:

Includes those with medical needs that would have prohibited adoption without financial assistance.

59,046

Low-income parents:

Utah uses the lowest eligibility possible: up to 54 percent of poverty guidelines. Single parent of two loses eligibility at $8,688 a year.

10,425

Parents leaving welfare:

Utah doubles mandated coverage, offering it for up to two years.

9,332

Pregnant women:

Income limits increase for prenatal care. Mandated coverage is extended to 133 percent of guidelines, or $12,728 for an individual.

10,597

Children up to age 1:

Infants of women above are covered for one year.

41,321

Children:

l Newborns to age 6: If their family earns under 133 percent of the guidelines, or $25,735 for four.

l Children over 6: If family earns under 100 percent of the guidelines, or $19,350 for four.

Disabled

25,409

Disabled adults and children:

l Mandatory for those with income below 73.6 percent of guidelines.

l Utah extends coverage to those earning up to 250 percent, or $23,925 for an individual, to foster eventual independence.

l Others receive household assistance in an optional program enabling home care rather than institutionalization.

61

Blind residents:

Mandatory for those with income below 73.6 percent of guidelines. Utah extends coverage up to 100 percent, or $9,570 for an individual.

Elderly & others

6,960

Residents over age 65:

l Mandatory for those with income below 73.6 percent of the guidelines. Utah extends coverage up to 100 percent, or $12,830 for a couple.

l Others receive household assistance in an optional program enabling care at home rather than a nursing home.

4,827

Nursing home residents 65 or older, or blind, or physically or mentally disabled, who meet income and asset requirements.

173

Refugees:

States must cover certain low-income refugees.

73

Sources: Utah Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services